Deformation behaviour of closed-cell aluminium foams in tension

The mechanical behaviour of commercially available ALPORAS aluminium foam with two different densities was studied under tension loading. In addition to the common stress–strain measurements, local deformation, notch-opening displacement and damage evolution were determined. The deformation characteristics deviated from those observed in aluminium foams under compression. No deformation bands or plastic instabilities could be observed in tension, which are very frequent in compression of metallic foams. Four regimes were evident in the stress–strain curves and deformation maps: the linear elastic regime, the plastic regime with no significant crack initiation and propagation, the regime of formation of a fracture process zone and, finally, the regime of fracture, where a main crack propagates through the specimen and leads to failure. The fracture strain was only a few per cent, with the higher-density foam showing a larger fracture strain, and the plastic Poisson's ratio was about 0.35. The notched specimens showed increasing fracture strengths in terms of the net section stress with increasing notch depth. It is suggested that a change in stress state, caused by a non-vanishing Poisson's ratio, in front of the notch tip creates an increase of the fracture strength similar to the behaviour in ductile bulk metals.     

金属材料冲裁过程的有限元模拟

介绍了利用弹性有限元对金属冲裁加工模拟的基本原理,包括弹塑性大变形木匠,裂破坏模拟以及网格重划分等技术,利用商业化有限元程度DEFORM－2D^TM对不锈钢（AISI304）板料的冲裁工艺进行了模拟,模具采用刚体模型,工件采用弹塑性模型,材料断裂破坏采用Cockroft-Latham破坏准则,分析了冲裁过程中裂纹生成、扩展以及材料断裂分离的过程,冲载力的变化等,模拟结果中的材料断裂和冲裁力的变化与已发表文献中的实验结果一致。     

A numerical fracture analysis of a stationary semi-circular interface crack during interfacial indentation test

The aim of this work is to investigate the fracture behavior of a stationary crack lying along the interface in a coated system during interfacial indentation test. One traditional 3D numerical model and one cohesive element numerical model have been made to study the Vickers indentation test process. A crack-block approach is applied to generate 3D meshes containing the crack front along the interface. The stress intensity factors and the energy release rates (G) on the crack front are computed. The fracture mode mixity is also presented. It is found that the near surface propagation of the crack can be prevented during loading due to compressive stresses. It may occur during unloading due to residual stresses resulting from plastic strain.     

A Local Damage Approach to Predict Crack Initiation in Type AISI 316L(N) Stainless Steel

A local damage approach based on plastic strain equivalent to uniform strain and grain diameter of the material is proposed for prediction of crack initiation. Plane strain, plane stress, and 3D FEM simulations are carried out for compact tension (CT) geometry with blunt notch of different a/W ratios under mode-I loading. Elastic-plastic fracture parameters have been estimated based on certain assumptions on blunting at notch tip and micromechanisms of events leading to onset of crack. The various crack initiation parameters evaluated based on proposed local damage approach and initial assumptions have been verified by conducting experiments on CT specimens and subsequent scanning electron microscopy study on fracture surface. The laboratory scale experimental results of AISI 316L(N) stainless steel material are in good agreement with FEM-predicted fracture parameters for notch type of stress raisers. The local damage approach and FEM procedure established in the present study would be easily extendable to the analysis of stress raisers in components for the prediction of crack initiation under elastic-plastic condition.     

焊接接头损伤条件下的断裂力学参量数值模拟

利用弹塑性损伤-应变耦合有限元方法研究了不同强度匹配焊接接头中母材区断裂应变的变化对焊缝区裂纹断裂力学参量J积分的影响规律.结果表明,对于强度高匹配、等匹配和低匹配的焊接接头,在焊缝区各项力学性能参数保持不变的条件下,随着母材区断裂应变的减小,焊缝区的塑性应变及裂纹扩展驱动力J积分均有明显的提高;随着接头强度匹配比M的降低(母材屈服强度的升高),母材区断裂应变的变化对J积分值的影响作用减小.     

一种改进的Lemaitre断裂准则及其在弯曲成形裂纹预测中的应用

针对弯曲成形中的裂纹缺陷,应用Lemaitre韧性断裂准则,同时考虑应力三轴度,最大主应力比,以及塑性应变对损伤的影响,对Lemaitre准则进行改进,有效预测了弯曲成形中金属板料的成形极限。以7075-T6铝合金为研究对象,模拟得到该合金板材的裂纹产生条件,获取改进的Lemaitre准则材料参数,确定破裂阈值。对6 mm厚7075-T6铝合金板材进行三点弯曲实验,并观察其金相组织。对其产生裂纹时的压下量与断裂准则所得的理论压下量进行比较,验证了改进后断裂准则对裂纹预测的准确性。通过对比产生裂纹时的压下量,结果表明,改进后的Lemaitre断裂准则所得理论压下量为9.7 mm,与模拟和实验结果一致,证明改进后的Lemaitre准则对弯曲成形裂纹预测具有一定的准确性。     

Prediction of damage in small curvature bending processes of high strength steels using continuum damage mechanics model in 3D simulation

Sheet metal bending of modern lightweight materials like high-strength low-alloyed steels (HSLA) is one major challenge in metal forming, because conventional methods of predicting failure in numerical simulation, like the forming limit diagram (FLD), can generally not be applied to bending processes. Furthermore, the damage and failure behaviour of HSLA steels are changing as the fracture mechanisms are mainly depending on the microstructure, which is very fine-grained in HSLA steels composed with different alloying elements compared to established mild steels. Especially for high gradients of strain and stress over the sheet thickness, as they occur in small curvature bending processes, other damage models than the FLD have to be utilised. Within this paper a finite element (FE) 3D model of small curvature bending processes is created. The model includes continuum damage mechanics model in order to predict and study occurring failure by means of ductile coherence loss of the material and crack formation with respect to influencing process parameters. Damage parameters are determined by inverse numerical identification method. The FE-model is strain based validated considering the deformation field at the outer bending edge of the specimen by using an optical strain measurement system. The Lemaitre based damage model is calibrated against the experimental results within metallographic analysis adapting the identified damage parameters to the bending process und thus adjusting the crack occurrence in experiment and simulation. Using this model the bendability of common HSLA steel, used for structural components, is evaluated with respect to occurring damage and failure by numerical analysis.     

Fracture toughness of structural aluminium alloy thick plate joints by friction stir welding

Abstract

The fracture toughness in a friction stir welded joint of thick plates of structural aluminium alloy type A5083-O is investigated. A joint between two 25 mm thick plates is fabricated by one sided, one pass friction stir welding. The Charpy impact energy and critical crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) in the friction stir weld are much higher than those in the base metal or heat affected zone, whereas mechanical properties such as stress–strain curve and Vickers hardness are not conspicuously different. The effects of the microstructure on crack initiation and propagation are studied in order to clarify the difference in fracture toughness between the stir zone and base metal. The analyses of the fracture resistance curves and the diameters of dimples in the fracture surface after both tensile and bending tests show that the fine grained microstructure in the stir zone helps to increase ductile crack initiation and propagation resistance. It is found that the high fracture toughness value in the stir zone is affected by the fine grained microstructure in friction stir welds.     

核电压力容器600合金小裂纹应力腐蚀开裂扩展速率定量预测

小裂纹应力腐蚀开裂(SCC)在核电关键构件(NPPs)的全寿命衰减过程有重要影响。通过将薄膜滑移-溶解/氧化模型与弹塑性有限元(EPFEM)相结合,定量预测核电反应堆压力容器(RPV)中小裂纹SCC扩展速率。根据裂纹尖端力学场的分析,确定以裂纹尖端应变率来表征小裂纹的萌生和扩展,并通过距离扩展小裂纹尖端特定的r₀处的塑性应变(de_p/da)来近似表征裂纹尖端应变率。提出了基于弹塑性断裂力学的动态裂纹扩展和准静态裂纹扩展两种方法计算塑性应变(de_p/da),并进行两种计算方法比对塑性应变随裂纹长度变化的敏感性,得到两种计算方法之间差异的同时,也确定小裂纹扩展的塑性应变变化比长裂纹更为敏感。小裂纹的SCC扩展速率大于长裂纹的SCC扩展速率,距裂尖的特征距离r₀是重要的影响因子,鉴于特定距离r₀难以确定,建议通过将相同环境和相同材料下的SCC实验数据结合单边拉伸试样的有限元数值计算结果来确定。研究结果能够实现核电关键结构材料的SCC扩展速率定量预测及服役压力容器的安全评价。     

Fracture behaviour and numerical study of resistance spot welded joints in high-strength steel sheet

Cross tension tests of resistance spot welded joints with varying nugget diameter were carried out using 980 MPa high strength steel sheet of 1.6 mm thickness. In proportion, as nugget diameter increased from 3√t to 5√t (where t is thickness), cross tension strength (CTS) increased while fracture morphology simultaneously transferred from interface fracture to full plug fracture. In cases of interface fracture, circumferential crack initiation due to separation of the corona bond arose at an early stage of loading. The crack opening process without propagation was recognized until just before fracture and then the crack propagated to the nugget immediately in a brittle manner around CTS. In full plug fracture, main ductile crack initiation from the notch-like part at the end of sheet separation occurred with the sub-crack initiated at an early stage. The ductile crack propagated toward the HAZ and base material to form full plug fracture. The mode I stress intensity factor was considered as a suitable fracture parameter because the circumferential crack behaved pre-crack for brittle fracture in the nugget region at the final stage. Based on the FE analysis, the mode I stress intensity factor was calculated as 116 MPa √m at CTS as fracture toughness for the nugget. With respect to full plug fracture, ductile crack initiation behaviour from the notch-like part was expressed by concentration of equivalent plastic strain. On the assumption that the ductile crack arose in critical value of equivalent plastic strain, the value was calculated as 0.34 by FE analysis. Reasonable interpretation for interface fracture and full plug fracture in the resistance spot welded joint was proposed due to first crack initiation by stress concentration, brittle fracture by using mode I stress intensity factor, and ductile crack initiation by using equivalent plastic strain.     

Mechanism of localized severe plastic deformation and damage fracture in fine-blanking using mixed displacement and pressure FEM

1 Introduction Strain localization always appears in the form of plastic shear band during the large plastic deformation of metallic material. For most of metal forming processes, the appearance of plastic shear band will cause non-homogeneous deformation…     

The influence of simulated fuel-grade ethanol on fatigue crack propagation in pipeline and storage-tank steels

This study presents an evaluation of fatigue crack propagation in three steels (A36, X52, and X70) in a simulated fuel-grade ethanol environment. A fracture mechanics testing approach was used to determine crack propagation rates as a function of the stress-intensity-factor amplitude (ΔK). Results of this testing and the fracture analysis indicate that all three materials are susceptible to enhanced fatigue damage in fuel-grade ethanol environments. We show that the damage mechanism is attributed to susceptibility of each material to ethanol stress-corrosion cracking under fatigue loading conditions and propose a model for determining crack growth rates in ethanol fuel.     

Blanking tool wear modeling using the finite element method

One of the main objectives of the numerical process design in metal forming is to develop adequate tool design and establish process parameter in order to increase tool life and to improve part quality and complexity while reducing manufacturing cost. The prediction of tool wear in sheet metal blanking/punching processes is investigated in this paper using the finite element method. A wear prediction model has been implemented in a finite element code in which the tool wear is a function of the normal pressure and some material parameters. A damage model is used in order to describe crack initiation and propagation into the sheet. The distribution of the tool wear on the tool profile is obtained and compared to industrial observations. Furthermore, a numerical investigation has been carried out to study the effect of tool wear on the burr formation.     

Fractographic Analysis of Weld Metal and HAZ Regions of API X-80 Steel Subjected to Simulation of the Reel-Lay Method

The reel-lay method is a process commonly used for rigid riser installation. During this process, riser materials are subjected to high strain levels and associated plastic damage which can affect their structural integrity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the fracture surfaces at weld metal and heat-affected zone regions of API X-80 steel three-point bend specimens, SE(B), subjected to reel-lay method simulations. The pre-existence of circumferential planar defects at 12 o’clock position was considered and the J-integral was used to simulate the reel-lay condition at the defects. Different strain levels considering conditions less and more severe than the real one were also studied. The results showed a great influence of J magnitude on fracture surface morphology. The increase of J magnitude led to a greater local surface damage on the specimens and stable crack growth during reel-lay simulation. High loading conditions should be avoided in the operation in order to prevent further structural damage of the materials.     

Response of ductile metal sheet parameters to the cone angle of indenting conical tool and fracture toughness evaluation

The indentation and perforation of ductile metal sheet with a conical tool is accompanied by elastoplastic bending, stretching, plastic flow, and crack initiation and propagation. This ultimately results in material fracture in the form of petals. It has been observed that the perforation process is dependent upon the angle of the conical tool. Fracture toughness, crack initiation, work input before and after crack initiation, number of petals, and sheet and petal bending angles all depend on the tool angle. Crack initiation has resulted at minimum tool displacement for a tool angle α=45°, while minimum work input before and after the crack initiation is observed when the tool has an angle α=35°. The optimum range of tool angles for the indentation process is α=22.5 to 50°. In this range, the aluminum sheets showed minimum fracture toughness as well as minimum work input to overcome the offered resistance.     

基于混合位移-压力有限元的厚板精冲数值模拟和损伤断裂预测

在MSC／MARC有限元分析软件中建立了轴对称精冲有限元模型，利用基于混合位移一压力的更新Lagrange有限元方法对精冲局部剧烈塑性变形进行模拟，克服了剪切自锁和体积自锁，结合网格自适应技术，对剪切区进行网格细化，精确捕捉了应变集中现象并通过MARC用户子程序实现了Schiffmann损伤功密度的半耦合计算，预测了精冲过程中材料损伤的发展，并预测了不同工艺参数下零件的塌角高度、光亮带高度和精冲力．最后，利用模拟得出的最佳工艺参数获得了合格的零件．     

Corporate Effects of Temperature and Strain Range on the Low Cycle Fatigue Life of a Single-Crystal Superalloy DD10

Low cycle fatigue behavior of a nickel-based single-crystal superalloy DD10 was investigated at 760 and980 °C under different strain ranges. Results show that the fatigue life(Nf) of DD10 alloy exhibits different temperature dependence under various strain ranges. Under low strain range, the alloy exhibits a longer Nfat 760 °C than that at980 °C. However, under high strain range, a reverse result is obtained. This difference can be attributed to the change of dominant damage modes under various test conditions, which is manifested in different modes of crack initiation(crack nucleation and its early propagation). At 760 °C, the crack initiates at pores in subsurface due to local stress concentration.This process is mainly controlled by plastic amplitude and plastic property, but not affected by oxygen-induced damage before the crack propagates to the surface. At 980 °C, the crack initiates at surface instead of pores due to the more homogeneous plastic deformation and the disharmony between the external oxidation layer and the bulk material when the strain amplitude is high. At that temperature, the process is mainly controlled by oxidation damage and strain amplitude simultaneously. Therefore, under high strain range, the crack initiation is much easier at 760 °C due to plastic deformation and the poor plasticity, while under low strain range obvious oxidation damage at 980 °C may accelerate the crack initiation.     

Damage and Failure Analysis of AZ31 Alloy Sheet in Warm Stamping Processes

In this study, a combined experimental-numerical investigation on the failure of AZ31 Mg alloy sheet in the warm stamping process was carried out based on modified GTN damage model which integrated Yld2000 anisotropic yield criterion. The constitutive equations of material were implemented into a VUMAT subroutine for solver ABAQUS/Explicit and applied to the formability analysis of mobile phone shell. The morphology near the crack area was observed using SEM, and the anisotropic damage evolution at various temperatures was simulated. The distributions of plastic strain, damage evolution, thickness, and fracture initiation obtained from FE simulation were analyzed. The corresponding forming limit diagrams were worked out, and the comparison with the experimental data showed a good agreement.     

The role of deformation twins in brittle crack propagation in iron–silicon steel

Crack initiation and propagation in polycrystalline metals and alloys can be characterized by the crack driving force and the resistance to fracture. Interfaces such as grain, sub-grain and interphase boundaries are microstructural features that can resist crack propagation. For iron–silicon polycrystalline steels, brittle fracture occurs predominately by transgranular cleavage but intergranular fracture is enhanced by embrittling heat-treatments. In this paper, we consider the role of deformation twin boundaries on the brittle crack propagation and fracture resistance of poly and single crystals of Fe–3 wt.% Si steel. Three-point bend, impact and miniaturized disc tests have been undertaken at temperatures in the range of 77–273 K. The fractographic features have been characterized with attention being given to (i) the role of the {1 1 2} deformation twins on the propagation of the {0 0 1} cleavage cracks and (ii) the process-zone of the propagating cleavage cracks. The results are discussed with reference to three-dimensional model predictions.     

AZ31镁合金板材纵波轧制形变规律及边部损伤分析

纵波轧制+平辊轧制(LFR)是一种减轻镁合金轧制边裂的新型轧制工艺,通过一道次纵波轧制+二道次平轧,可有效减少镁合金板材边裂。为了进一步明晰LFR变形规律,本文通过对比AZ31镁合金板材纵波轧制+平轧(LFR)及平轧+平轧(FFR)热-力耦合有限元虚拟轧制对比和物理实验,分析了纵波轧制变形区金属变形规律及其对板材边部损伤的影响。结果表明：纵波轧制形成了异形搓轧区,板材各部位受到较大的三向剪切作用;急速金属流动产生的塑性变形热避免了板材边部温降,有利于提升塑性;剪切及温度影响促使LFR板材形成混晶组织,降低了波谷部位损伤,进而有效抑制了镁合金板材边裂的产生及发展。